Tosca Cafe
Italian restaurant · North Beach
242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Highlights
Italian fare, cocktails & wine in a revamped, old-school setting
Italian fare, cocktails & wine in a revamped, old-school setting
"The longtime Columbus Avenue restaurant has operated without an active liquor license since December 2024 after losing it for failure to pay back state taxes; owner Anna Weinberg told the outlet she is aware of owing more than $100,000, and a Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control spokesperson said the issue likely stemmed from poor communication between city organizations." - Paolo Bicchieri
"There are plenty of use cases for this North Beach institution. Over the century it’s been open, couples have come here to snuggle up on the maroon leather banquettes, first dates sit knees-to-knees at the candlelit bar, and groups can often be heard cackling while cheersing glasses of cognac hot chocolate. You’re definitely here for the atmosphere—vintage piano, stained glass, and retro jukebox included—rather than the food. But if you focus on the spicy bruschetta and bucatini that’s more cheese than pasta, you’ll have a great time." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"The best way to have a first date at this North Beach institution is to grab a seat at the bar. It’s quieter than the dining room, but just as romantic and lit only by some tea lights. It’s also your quickest route to the old-school Italian restaurant’s list of spirit-forward cocktails, including their famous cognac hot chocolate. When you’re ready for solids, the full menu’s offered at the bar, and the stools conveniently swivel when you want to make direct eye contact with your date in between bites of cheesy bucatini." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong
"Sure, this salad is mostly bread and cheese, but who said great salads need to be dominated by leafy greens? The panzanella from Tosca Cafe in North Beach keeps it simple with juicy heirloom tomatoes, stretchy clumps of mozzarella, and chunks of toasted bread. But what makes this thing special is the garlicky, spicy vinaigrette that the croutons soak up like edible sponges. The other starters at this Italian spot are solid, but this one is a must." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"If it weren’t for the assurance of Mariah Carey loudly telling everyone in the room that they are, indeed, all she wants for Christmas, you could easily slip into another decade during dinner at Tosca Cafe. The North Beach Italian restaurant is over 100 years old, and its main appeal is its old-school scene. Couples snuggle on slightly worn maroon leather booths and friend groups cram around almost-too-small tables, ordering another round of drinks while they admire the vintage jukebox and piano. You'll hear neighborhood regulars recommending their favorite dishes to tourists who have just wandered in. But take it from us: Tosca Cafe's entrees are mostly skippable, so focus instead on the appetizers and pastas. You’ll be happy enough digging around for the crunchiest chunk of bread in a spicy panzanella by candlelight, and slurping noodles from a plate of quickly congealing bucatini under a mural of men in fedoras. The long wooden bar usually always has free seats. So post up with a glass of wine or the house cappuccino that’s basically hot chocolate with cognac. And when you need solids, you can always order some passable salmon. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Panzanella This salad is herby and tart, with a bit of bite. Some of the croutons arrive already sogged, but we still enjoy it and you will too. photo credit: Patrick Wong Focaccia Crusty and chewy, but bland. The pesto and butter served alongside help a little, but unless you’re bread-deficient for the day, we’d suggest skipping. photo credit: Patrick Wong Bucatini A satisfying dish to order with someone who won't mind a lull in conversation—because your mouths should be fixed on eating the pasta before it solidifies. Long strands of cheese and caramelized bits guest star on every forkful. photo credit: Patrick Wong Chicken Parmesan Flavorless and a tad rubbery. Get another pasta instead. photo credit: Patrick Wong Seared Salmon For anyone searching for something lighter, this is a good choice. It’s bright and acidic. You’ll forget about it as soon as you leave the glow of the candelabra chandeliers, but it’s the most reliably consistent of the entrees. photo credit: Patrick Wong Crispy Potatoes This side only lives up to half of its name. A dunk in watery salsa verde doesn’t help either. photo credit: Patrick Wong House Tiramisu Good and easy to share. If you’re not willing to walk the incline to another North Beach bakery for dessert, order this. photo credit: Patrick Wong" - Patrick Wong
